New Jersey Forest Fire Service is currently conducting 'controlled burns' of more than 100 acres of grassy and forest areas at several Chester parks, according to agency officials.

Residents may see large plumes of smoke rising from woods and meadows at Black River Wildlife Management Area, Bamboo Brook and Willowwood Arboretum, and Kay Environmental Center, all in Chester.

Drivers are advised to be careful when approaching burn areas, observe reduced speed limits, and watch out for trucks and Forest Fire Service personnel.

Prescribed burns help reduce forest fire risk before prime wildfire season, which typically begins in early spring when fallen leaves, branches and twigs are abundant, according to the Forest Fire Service.

This year, burns are taking place later than usual due to the snow.

"We've had a day or two of wind that came behind the bad weather, which dried the surface, and the sunlight is also helping the evaporation process," said John Tonking, assistant division forest fire warden for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

"Now they're forecasting snow for tonight and tomorrow," he added. "It's been a long winter and it doesn’t want to give up."